Apparatus and method for an enhanced reading device with automatic line registration

ABSTRACT

An enhanced reading device that which secures written material in a fixed location and moves a video camera across the written text or images for the purpose of automatically registering the video camera at the beginning of each new line. The device uses a manually operated transmission to move a camera across a line at a speed controlled by the user. The video camera is also stepped to the next line under control of the user. Optional embodiments permit the transmission to be powered and control by push buttons for automatic registration at the beginning of new lines. The device also has a document tray assembly to control vertical movement of the document in relation to the video camera under control of the user. The document tray assembly can also be optionally powered rather than manually operated.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application which claimsthe benefit of the commonly owned co-pending provisional applicationentitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AN ENHANCED READING DEVICE WITHAUTOMATIC LINE REGISTRATION”, filed Nov. 26, 2002, bearing U.S. Ser. No.60/429,196 and naming Eric J. Bradbery, the named inventor herein, assole inventor, the contents of which is specifically incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to enhanced reading devices for thevisually impaired. In particular, it relates to an enhanced readingdevice which automatically indexes to the next one or more lines andregisters the optical reading device at the beginning of the lines.

[0004] 2. Background of the Invention

[0005] A substantial number of individuals suffer from a variety ofvision impairments which impairs their ability to conveniently read. Oneailment in particular, macular degeneration, afflicts many individualsas they age. Macular degeneration results in the loss of central visionwhich directly impacts an individual

s ability to read, since the reader must rely on peripheral vision.Typically, an individual with macular degeneration uses a magnifyingglass to enlarge the written words to so that they can be more easilyperceived. However, magnifying glasses have limitations on their abilityto enlarge characters. Likewise, moving a magnifying glass across thewritten line often results in inadvertently moving to the wrong linewhen the reader steps from line to line. It would be desirable to have amethod of enlarging characters beyond the scope of the conventionalmagnifying glass, and the method of stepping from line to line withoutlosing ones place in the document.

[0006] The prior art has attempted to improve upon magnifying glassesthrough the use of small handheld television cameras which allow anindividual to manually scan the camera across the written line. Theoutput of the camera is input to a television screen which canselectively magnify the characters to any desired size which aparticular television monitor is capable of displaying. While the use ofhandheld television cameras allow an individual to display largercharacters, thus making it easier to read, handheld cameras may actuallymake line registration problems even more difficult. This is because thereader follows the camera on its path back to the beginning of the nextline. This motion, when watching the television monitor, can result indizziness and by high fatigue. It would be desirable to have a method ofincrementing to a new line without having to carefully control the lineregistration while moving the camera.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides an enhanced reading device thatwhich secures written material in a fixed location and dynamically movesthe optical reader across the written text for the purpose ofautomatically registering the optical reader at the beginning of eachnew line. The device uses a manually operated transmission to move acamera across a line, and to step the camera to the next line whenappropriate. Optional embodiments permit the transmission to be poweredand control by push buttons for automatic registration at the beginningof new lines. The device also has an integral elevator assembly to movethe document closer or farther away from the television camera for theuser

s convenience. The elevator device uses a threaded rod to move thedocument tray vertically. In addition, the document tray is supported byside support arms. The elevator can also be optionally powered ratherthan manually operated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a front edge view of a preferred embodiment of anenhanced reading device which illustrates a document support tray, acamera assembly, a longitudinal support, a lateral camera assemblysupport, and side supports.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1which illustrates a document support tray, a camera assembly, alongitudinal support, a lateral camera assembly support, and sidesupports.

[0010]FIG. 3 is an alternative preferred embodiment of an enhancedreading device which illustrates a document support tray, a cameraassembly, a longitudinal support, a lateral camera assembly support,side supports, and a lifting mechanism for the document support tray.

[0011]FIG. 4 is an alternative preferred embodiment of an enhancedreading device which illustrates a document support tray, a cameraassembly, a manually operable longitudinal support, a manually operablelateral camera assembly support, and side supports, in combination witha lifting mechanism for the document support tray.

[0012]FIG. 5 is an alternative preferred embodiment of an enhancedreading device which illustrates a document support tray, a cameraassembly, a manually operable longitudinal support, a manually operablelateral camera assembly support, and side supports, in combination witha lifting mechanism for the document support tray.

[0013]FIG. 6 is another alternative preferred embodiment which uses amultifunction knob, and which is manually driven.

[0014]FIG. 7 is a more detailed view of a preferred embodiment of themultifunction knob and gear drive assembly.

[0015]FIG. 8 is another alternative embodiment in which the lateralcamera support assembly is longitudinally fixed and the document trayreciprocates in a longitudinal direction.

[0016]FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of themultifunction knob and gear drive assembly which uses the chain drive.

[0017]FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of another preferredembodiment of the enhanced reading device which illustrates the positionof the camera and its motion control assembly in relation to thedocument support tray.

[0018]FIG. 11 illustrates a front orthogonal view of a preferredembodiment of the invention which illustrates the belt drive and rollerassembly used to transport the camera over the document support tray.

[0019]FIG. 12 is a left side orthogonal view of a preferred embodimentof the invention. This view illustrates the document tray in the fullylowered position with the side support bars lowered.

[0020]FIG. 13 is a left side orthogonal view of a preferred embodimentof the invention which illustrates the document support tray in thefully raised position with the side support bars raised.

[0021]FIG. 14 is a right side orthogonal view of a preferred embodimentof the invention which illustrates the manual transmission used tocontrol movement of the camera assembly. The document support tray isalso shown in the fully raised position in this figure.

[0022]FIG. 15 is a partial top orthogonal view of a preferred embodimentof the invention which illustrates the gear assembly used by the manualtransmission which controls movement of the camera assembly.

[0023]FIG. 16 illustrates a left front perspective view of a preferredembodiment of the invention. This figure illustrates the threaded rodused to control the vertical position of the document support tray.

[0024]FIG. 17 illustrates a left cut away view of a preferred embodimentof the invention which shows the document support tray lift arm which iscontrolled by the threaded rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Prior to a detailed discussion of the figures, a general overviewof the system will be presented. Enhanced reading devices have beendeveloped to assist individuals with severe vision problems. Forexample, individuals with macular degeneration have substantiallydegraded central vision and are unable to read normal sized text.Likewise, there are numerous other vision impairments (e.g.,corio-retinitus, physical injuries, etc.) which also substantiallyreduce an individual

s ability to read normal text.

[0026] The prior art has provided a number of devices to assistindividuals with vision impairments. An early attempt to helpindividuals with vision impairment has been to provide a documentviewer, similar in structure to those used for microfiche, which have amovable tray to hold text material. An optical lens and lamp assembly isprovided to project an enlarged image of the document text onto theviewer

s screen. The individual moves the tray manually from line to line inorder to read the enlarged text on the viewer screen. Alternatively, thedocument can be placed in a fixed position and the optical lens and lampassembly can be moved over the document.

[0027] An alternative prior art embodiment uses a television camera inthe same manner, with the exception that instead of a projected imagedisplayed on a viewer screen, the image detected by the camera isenlarged and input to a television screen to provide an image largeenough for the individual to read.

[0028] Prior art systems having large-scale computing capacity have alsobeen developed which can read entire documents, and via software,present images to a user via computer monitor. While the systems can beeffective, they are also very expensive and out of reach of manyindividuals who may have more limited funds, and/or limited computerknowledge.

[0029] These prior art embodiments have a significant drawback in thatthey are manually operated devices which require the individual to moveeither the document or a camera from place to place on the document. Dueto erratic movement caused by manual operation, in combination with theenlarged image which the user uses to guide movement of the device, theimage used by the individual is visually irritating and is prone tomistakes due to the fact that the individual may move more than one lineat a time and waste substantial time during the alignment process inorder to finish reading a document. In addition, high-end computersystems are not available to many individuals due to cost, or due to anindividual

s lack of expertise with computers. This invention improves upon all theforegoing by providing a low-cost, easy-to-use system, which requires aminimum of processing power (without the need for a complete computer),which requires no computer knowledge, and can use the individual

s conventional television in place of a computer monitor.

[0030] The invention eliminates the foregoing problems by automaticallyindexing to the next line and registering the optical device at thebeginning of the line. This eliminates a substantial amount of workwhich the individual experiences when moving the optical device inrelation to the document text. It allows the individual to quickly andautomatically step from one line to another which substantially reducesthe effort and fatigue involved with using prior art devices of thistype.

[0031] The invention is able to move an optical assembly over a documentin an automatic fashion such that as the individual moves from line toline, and registers the optical device at the beginning of each newline, the movement is done in a controlled manner which eliminates theneed for the individual to manually move the device and observe theimage as it rapidly moves over the text. This is accomplished by thelongitudinal platform which steps the camera down through the page, anda lateral optical camera support which moves the camera to the beginningof each line on the page. As a result of this automatic and controlledmovement, the invention eliminates the effort expended by theindividual, and its associated fatigue, which was required by prior artdevices.

[0032] The ease of discussion, the movement of the camera from the topof the page to the bottom of the page was described as being on a lineby line basis. However, depending on the size of the monitor, and thesize of the characters as they are displayed on the monitor, theindividual does not have to advance the camera every time a new line isread. In particular, the monitor may very adequately display severallines at a time. In fact, if larger television screens are used, itwould not be difficult to display 3-6 lines, or even more.

[0033] The preferred embodiment also uses a mechanical drive system toillustrate the ability of the invention to precisely move the camerafrom line to line, and also to register the camera at the beginning ofline. This is possible because the document being read can be placed onits support tray and not moved. Since the only part of the visual systemwhich is moving is the camera, and not the source text, then the devicecan control movement of the camera such that it does not slide from lineto line as is often the case for manual camera displays. The inadvertentsliding across lines happens because the individual is not able toprecisely control the camera when it is handheld. This is also true fordevices which would use a fixed camera and a slidable tray. A manuallyslidable tray will have the same problems that a manually held camerawill. Namely it relies on the precision of the individual as theindividual

s hand moves the device in question. This eliminates a substantialamount of fatigue because the individual does not have to carefullymonitor the screen to make sure that the camera is not sliding from lineto line. Instead, the camera can be operated such that moves in only oneaxis at a time, thereby ensuring that it does not skip lines. While themechanical drive, discussed in the specification accomplishes thiscontrolled single axis motion, those skilled in the art will recognizethat the invention can also be implemented electronically.

[0034] In order to implement the invention electronically, the manuallydriven gear system can be replaced with a motorized system which isoperated by buttons to control the advance line, and also to initiateequivalent of a carriage return when registering at the beginning of theline. Mechanical line advance and registration devices such as this arewell known in the typewriter arts and need not be discussed furtherhere. Replacement of a manually operated system with a motorized systemprovides advantages to disabled individuals who may not be able tooperate the manual drive due to a variety of physical impairments. Weturn now to a more detailed discussion of the figures.

[0035]FIG. 1 is a front edge view of a preferred embodiment of anenhanced reading device 1. This figure illustrates the main componentsof the enhanced reading device 1 which includes a document support tray2, a longitudinal support 4, a longitudinal support drive 5, a lateralcamera assembly support 6, a camera assembly 7, a camera assembly drive8, and side supports 3. Also shown is the top edge of a document 9 whichrests on the document support tray 2.

[0036] For ease of discussion, the embodiment of FIG. 1 is firstpresented with a camera position control that uses a manually controlledmechanical transmission to move the camera laterally within a cameraassembly drive 8, and to move the camera assembly drive 8 longitudinallyunder control of a belt drive. As mentioned above, it is also possibleto use non-typewriter carriage technology to control spacing with aline, and line indexing. In addition to the mechanical embodiment shownand FIG. 1, an alternative preferred embodiment is also envisioned whichuses a fully electronic system that further eliminates effort on thepart of the individual, and increases accuracy.

[0037] During the reading process, the camera assembly 7 is positionedat the beginning of the first line. As the individual reads the document9, a camera assembly 7 is moved laterally under control of the cameraassembly drive 8 along a path in the lateral camera assembly support 6.The use of the path in the camera assembly support 6 eliminatesaccidental movement from one line to another which can occur duringmanual operation.

[0038] Once the camera assembly 7 reaches the end of the text line inthe document 9, the system automatically steps to the next line andregisters at the beginning of the new line. This is functionallyequivalent to a carriage return on a conventional typewriter. Overallmovement of the camera assembly 7 is accomplished as follows. Thelongitudinal support 4 is moved longitudinally from the top edge of thedocument 9 toward the bottom of the document 9. Motion is controlled bythe longitudinal support drive 5 which moves the camera assembly 7 fromline to line each time the camera assembly 7 reaches the end of a lineof text, or when the individual instructs it to. When longitudinalsupport drive 5 steps to a new line on the document 9, the cameraassembly 7 automatically moves to the beginning of the new line undercontrol of the camera assembly drive 8. Likewise, in the event thatmultiple lines are being displayed simultaneously, and the cameraassembly drive 8 can be instructed to return the camera 7 to thebeginning of the line without indexing to the next line.

[0039] In the situation where an electronic drive is used, thedetermination of where lines begin and end can be implemented in severalways. The simplest method is to use movable tabs to indicate thebeginning and the end of the lines. This can also be implemented in amanually operated embodiment of. A simple mechanical implementation ofthis device would be to use two adjustable mechanical keys to indicatethe beginning and the end of a line in the same manner as mechanicalkeys are used on conventional typewriters. In this embodiment, when theindividual places the document on the document support tray 10, theindividual moves the mechanical keys such that they provide stops at thebeginning and at the end of a line of text. When the camera assemblydrive 8 detects that it has reached mechanical key which indicates aline end, it could automatically reverse direction (afetr a suitabletime period) and return to the beginning of a line. Preferably, theindividual would command it to reverse direction to ensure that theindividual has time to read the text at the end of the line. The cameraassembly drive 10 would recognize when it reached the beginning of theline when it detected the mechanical key which was set up for thatpurpose. At the same time that the camera assembly drive 10 wasreturning the camera assembly 7 to the beginning of the text line, thelongitudinal support 4 advances from the top of the document 9 towardsthe bottom of the document 9 in single line steps under control of thelongitudinal support drive 5. The distance between lines may also be setas mechanical adjustment by the user when the document is first placedin machine. Adjustable mechanical line indexing is well-known thetypewriter arts and can be implemented here as a mechanical solution aswell.

[0040] While the foregoing mechanical embodiment to control movement ofthe camera assembly 7 is possible, the following electronic solution ispreferred due to an improvement in convenience for the individual. Inparticular, the preferred electronic embodiment eliminates the manualcontrols used to control motion of the camera assembly 7, as well as thetime and effort required by the individual to adjust them.

[0041] A fully electronic embodiment works as follows. Once the document9 is placed on the document support tray 2, the individual instructs thedevice to register at the beginning of the first line on the document.This would normally be done by instructing the processor 15, via theinput device 16 (both shown and discussed in regard to FIG. 5), that thecamera should begin reading a new page. Typically, the individual wouldselect a key or enter a command from the input device 16 which theprocessor 15 would translate into a command which it would then send tothe enhanced reading device 1. Once the camera assembly 7 was positionedat the beginning of the page, its output is sent to a monitor 14 (alsoshown and discussed in regard to FIG. 5) which displays the text viewedby the camera assembly 7. The initial determination of where the firstline begins is automatically performed by the processor 15 based oninput received from the camera assembly 7. Detection of textual linedata in the field of image scanning and OCR (optical characterrecognition) technology is well-known in their respective arts and neednot be discussed in greater detail herein. The same line detectiontechnology can be implemented for automatic positioning of the cameraassembly 7 at the beginning of the first line of text.

[0042] However, while automatic line detection has a high degree ofreliability, depending on fonts styles, print quality, lighting, qualityof the optical components, etc., it is possible for automatic linedetection to be offset in error. Therefore, the preferred embodimentalso envisions the use of an override by the individual to find tune andadjust the position of the camera in regard to text lines. Once thesystem has made its determination as to the location of the beginning ofthe page and the first line, the individual can instruct the processor15, via input device 16, to move the camera assembly 7 to anotherlocation and then to set that location as the text line starting point.During this process, as well as during the reading process, the cameraassembly 7 outputs a video signal to a monitor 14. In addition to usingthe monitor 14 as the magnification device for reading the text on thedocument 9, the individual can also use the monitor 14 in the process ofadjusting the location of the line beginning and line end locations.

[0043] In addition to determining the longitudinal location of lines,and the lateral beginning and end points of individual lines, provisionis also made for automatic adjustment of focusing. Those skilled in theart will recognize that the camera assembly 7 can be made moreinexpensively if the camera assembly 7 is manually focused by theindividual to allow for thickness changes in the document 9. Due todifferences in thickness, focus adjustments may be necessary to ensure aclear picture on the monitor 14. While cost considerations areimportant, the preferred embodiment envisions a camera assembly 7 withautomatic focusing capability. Automatic focus adjustment can beextremely valuable in a situation where a document 9 has a non-flatsurface, such as a book, and has pages which bend due to the book

s binding structure. The bending in each page of an open book causeseach line to vary in its distance from the camera. As a result,automatic focus adjustment allows the camera to dynamically focus onwords within a line as the distance is constantly changing between thecamera lens and the page surface. Automatic focus adjustment iswell-known in the camera arts and need not be discussed further herein.

[0044] Once the document 9 has been inserted, the position and startingpoint of the textual data has been determined, and the focus has beenadjusted, the individual can begin reading. In the preferred embodiment,the individual controls movement of the camera across the text line tosuit the individual

s personal reading speed. In addition, the individual also has theability to control movement of the camera assembly 7 to the next line.Backspace capability is also provided to accommodate a reader who wishesto review an item of text. All of these controls are implemented viainput device 16. Other optional features can also be included. Forexample, if the individual is reading the document 9 which has severalindependent articles, the system can also be set up to recognizeparagraph breaks. This is relatively easy to accomplish since paragraphbreaks usually are indicated by an extra line space, or by indented textat the beginning of the paragraph. The ability to recognize paragraphbreak can be easily implemented by looking for extended spacing betweenlines, and/or the appearance of an indented sentence beginning. Bygiving the individual the ability to step from one paragraph to another,the individual can rapidly and conveniently step through articles toreach the article of interest.

[0045] As can be seen, this enhanced reading device 1 allows anindividual to insert a document 9, to automatically register the cameraassembly 7 at the beginning of the page, and to automatically step fromline to line under control of the individual. This allows an individualto conveniently view an enlarged version of a document on monitor 14with a minimal amount of manual effort or skill. It allows an individualto view a document with a minimal amount of errors created by erratichand movement of the camera or the document which was commonly prior artdevices. This is particularly valuable when an individual has otherinfirmities, such as shaking or weak hands. In addition, the enhancedreading device eliminates the eye fatigue created by rapid movement ofthe document in prior art systems which required the individual tocarefully watch in order to properly manually position the camera at thenext line of text. As a result of the automatic line detection andregistration functions provided by this invention, the individual cancomfortably view a document without the inconvenience and difficultiesassociated with use of prior art devices.

[0046]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theenhanced reading device shown in FIG. 1. This figure provides anotherview of the document support tray 2 which is supporting document 9. Inthe preferred embodiment, the document support tray 2 is slidablymounted such that it can be pulled out from under longitudinal support4. This allows the individual to conveniently insert the document 9without obstruction by any other components of the enhanced readingdevice 1. The document support tray 2 can be physically separate fromthe rest of the enhanced reading device 1, or it can be slidablyattached to the side supports 3 such that it pulls out in the manner ofa drawer, or it can be hingedly attached to the rear of the enhancedreading device 1 at the side supports 3 such that the side supports 3and the other components can be pivoted up and away from the documentsupport tray 2 for document loading. While the simple method of slidingthe document support out from under the other components of the enhancedreading device 1 is preferred, any suitable method of providing adocument loading capability can be used.

[0047] The side supports 3 provide physical support for the longitudinalsupport 4. The side supports 3 raise the longitudinal support 4 to asufficient height above the document support tray 2, such that documents9 having a variety of thicknesses (e.g., a single sheet, a book, etc.)can be conveniently placed on the document support tray 2. While theside supports 3 are illustrated as solid panels and drawings, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the side supports 3 can beimplemented in any convenient manner.

[0048] During the reading process, the longitudinal support 4 ispreferably moved longitudinally in a direction from the top of thedocument 9 to the bottom of the document 9. Automatic movement of thelongitudinal support 4 is accomplished through the use of longitudinalsupport drives 5. In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal supportdrives 5 move the longitudinal support 4 in a longitudinal direction inrelation to the side supports 3. In the preferred embodiment, thelongitudinal support drives 5 can be fixedly attached to thelongitudinal support 4 and move the longitudinal support 4 in relationto the side supports 3. Alternatively, the longitudinal support drives 5can be fixedly attached to the side supports 3, and from there move thelongitudinal support 4 in relation to the side supports 3.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal support drives 5are controlled by the processor 15. Further, the preferred embodimentenvisions the use of stepper motors as the longitudinal support drives 5to precisely control the position of longitudinal support 4. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that, in addition to stepper motors,any suitable alternative means to control position of the longitudinalsupport 4 can be used. For example, solenoids, emitter controlledmotors, mechanical gear controlled motors, etc. can also be used tocontrol position of longitudinal support 4. The only requirement of thedrive means is that it have the capability of providing incrementalmotion to the longitudinal support 4 which can be controlled by theprocessor 14 for the purpose of precisely positioning the longitudinalsupport 4. It should be noted that it is also possible to create amanual stepping means which mechanically moves the longitudinal support4. However, a manual stepping means does lose some of the convenienceassociated with the invention.

[0050] Also shown in this figure is the lateral camera assembly support6. The lateral camera assembly support 6 defines an aperture in thelongitudinal support 4 surface through which the camera assembly 7 canview portions of the document 9, below. The camera assembly 7 is movedlaterally above a line of text by the camera assembly drive 8 in thesame manner that the longitudinal support drives 5 move longitudinalsupport 4 in the longitudinal direction. Also shown in FIG. 2 is dataline 17. Data line 17 would include, at a minimum, a video output lineto provide video data to monitor 14. In addition, data line 17 may alsoinclude command lines from the processor 15, as well as information datalines from the enhanced reading device 1 to the processor 15 which canprovide camera position data, camera focus data, etc.

[0051] While the foregoing embodiment is used for discussion purposes,it is intended to be exemplary in nature. A variety of changes can bemade in how the camera assembly 7 is moved in relation to the document 9without departing from the invention which provides automatic camera toline registration, and any suitable means can be used to provide thefunctions of each element within the invention.

[0052]FIG. 3 is an alternative preferred embodiment of the enhancedviewing device 1 which illustrates the document support tray 2, thecamera assembly 7, the longitudinal support 4, the lateral cameraassembly support 6, and the side supports 3 shown in the foregoingembodiment. In addition, this figure also illustrates a document liftingmechanism 10. The document lifting mechanism 10 rests beneath thedocument support tray 2. It provides an adjustable support (not shown)which can be extended via height control 11. By using height control 11to lift the document support tray 2 away from document lifting mechanism10, the document support tray is moved toward camera assembly 7. As aresult, the height control 11 can be used to manually adjust the focusof camera assembly 7 by altering the distance between camera assembly 7and the surface of the document 9.

[0053] In the preferred embodiment, a simple mechanical lever inventionis used to raise and lower the document support tray 2. However, thoseskilled in the art will realize that there are a variety of methodswhich can be used to change the distance between the document liftingmechanism 10 and the document support tray 2. For example, a gear drivenlift can be used, a pulley based lift can be used, a hydraulic lift canbe used, a

scissor

type lift can be used, a cam lift can be used, etc. Therefore, the exacttype of lift mechanism can vary. The only requirement is that the liftmechanism be suitable for conveniently raising or lowering the documentsupport tray 9 in relation to the camera assembly 7.

[0054]FIG. 4 is another alternative preferred embodiment of the enhancedviewing device 1. This embodiment includes the document support tray 2,a camera assembly 7, and the side supports 3, as discussed in regard tothe previous embodiments. In addition, it includes a lifting mechanism10 for the document support tray 2 as discussed above in regard to FIG.3. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that itincludes a manually operable longitudinal support drive 12, and amanually operable lateral camera assembly drive 13. The advantage of themanually operable drives for the longitudinal support 4 and that cameraassembly 7 is that the cost associated with implementing the inventioncan be substantially reduced. However, the disadvantage associated withthis embodiment is that a portion of the automation of the system islost. The advantage of this embodiment over the prior art is that oncethe individual sets to line start point and the line and point, thecamera assembly 7 can be moved across the length of text line on thedocument 9 without requiring the individual to carefully watch themonitor 14. While the individual can manually move the camera assembly 7until it rests above the beginning of a line of text, it is preferred tohave a mechanical key, such as that discussed above, to allow theindividual to more quickly and easily find the beginning of line.

[0055] Regarding manual movement of the lateral support 4, it ispreferred to use a line indexing device (not shown), such as that usedon typewriters. The line indexing device permits the individual to stepfrom one line to the next without having to carefully watch the monitor14 to see the next line of text is reached. As a result, with the use ofproper line start/line stop mechanical keys in combination with a lineindexing device provides an individual with the ability to quickly andaccurately step from the end of one line to the beginning of the nextline without having to worry about errors created by variances in motionof the camera assembly 7 caused by the individual

s hand motion. Even though this embodiment requires more work on thepart of the individual, it still improves over the prior art deviceswhich rely on the individual to move the camera assembly 7.

[0056]FIG. 5 is a preferred embodiment of the enhanced reading device 1and the other components of the reading system disclose herein. Thisfigure illustrates an output line from the enhanced reading device 1 tothe monitor 14. In addition, a processor 15 is connected to the enhancedreading device 1 via a bidirectional data path. The bidirectional datapath can provide camera assembly 7 position information to the processor15. In addition, the processor 15 can provide commands to the enhancedreading device 1 which are used to control the position of the cameraassembly 7.

[0057] The processor 15 is referred to as a

processor

for ease of discussion. However, while it can be implemented by acomplete microprocessor, such as those used on personal computers, itcan also be implemented by a much more limited function microprocessoror controller, or even a pre-programmed device such as an EEPROM.Likewise, the processor 15 and the input device 16 are illustrated asseparate devices. However, as a practical matter they can both beintegrated into the enhanced reading device 1 such that the enhancedreading device 1 has a single video output cable which attaches to themonitor (i.e., television) 14 and a single power input cable (notshown).

[0058] Also shown in this figure is input device 16 which is used toprovide instructions from the individual to the enhanced reading device1 via processor 16. For example, the individual can enter commands tocause the camera assembly 7 to skip from paragraph to paragraph, theindividual can enter commands to cause the camera assembly 7 to move tothe next line, the individual can enter commands to cause the cameraassembly to backspace for the purpose of allowing the individual forreview an item previously read, the individual can enter commands to toset parameters such as line start position, line end position, linespacing, etc., and the individual can also enter commands to controlother functions such as motion of the document lifting mechanism 10,etc. The input device 16 can be implemented by any suitable device, suchas a conventional computer keyboard, a smaller limited functionkeyboard, or even a simple device such as a computer mouse.

[0059]FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative preferred embodiment. Thisembodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that the position ofcamera 7 is controlled directly by the individual via a singlemultifunction knob 19 which allows the individual to move the camera 7laterally across a line of print. In addition, the multifunction knob 19further allows the individual to index the camera 7 longitudinally fromline to line via a push button 20 which is integrated into themultifunction knob 19.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment, when multifunction knob 19 isrotated approximately half a turn it moves the camera 7 across theentire length of line of text. This is accomplished by controllingmovement of the camera 7 through a gear assembly 22 whose gear ratiocauses substantial movement of the camera 7 in relation to a relativelysmall movement of the multifunction knob 19. An advantage provided bythe gear assembly 22 is that it eliminates fatigue and effort on thepart of the individual by minimizing the amount of movement required bythe individual to scan a line of text. The camera 7 is secured to thesliding camera support 18 which advances the camera along the aperturedefined by lateral camera support assembly 6. In the preferredembodiment, it is envisioned that the sliding camera support 18 isinserted at its edges into lateral tracks in the lateral camera supportassembly 6. However, those skilled in the art will realize that numerousalternative methods can be devised to movably secure the sliding camerasupport 18. Likewise, those skilled in the art will recognize thatnumerous alternative methods of laterally moving the sliding camerasupport 18 can be used. The preferred embodiment uses a toothed cogassembly, but any other suitable method, such as pulleys, etc., can alsobe used.

[0061] Once the individual reaches the end of the print line, the knob19 is merely rotated a half turn back to accurately return the camera 7to the beginning of the text line. At the same time, push button 20 ispushed to index the lateral camera support assembly 6 such that thecamera 7 is positioned above the next line of text. As a result, bysimply rotating the knob 19 and pressing its integrated push button 20,the camera 7 is positioned at the beginning of the next line of text.This is a substantial improvement of the prior art in that the automaticpositioning of the camera 7 eliminates the high fatigue. This high-levelfatigue is caused by the need for individuals to carefully watch thecamera 7 output as it rapidly scans back to the beginning of the line toavoid inadvertent line skipping. Once the camera

s return to the beginning of the line, then the individual must searchfor the next line. This effort is greatly reduced by the invention inthat the line returns do not have to be carefully monitored. Inaddition, the unique mechanical structure provided herein allows theindividual to position the camera 7 with a minimal amount of physicaleffort, and only requires the individual to use one hand.

[0062] Line indexing can be accomplished in several ways. In thisfigure, the push button 20 is attached to a rachet assembly whichadvances the lateral camera support assembly 6 along longitudinal tracks21 when push button 20 is pressed. The longitudinal tracks 21 provide apath which moves the lateral camera support assembly 6 in a stable andcontrolled manner.

[0063] In FIG. 7, a more detailed view of a preferred embodiment of thegear drive used to move the camera 7 is shown. In this figure, the knob19 is rotated in direction 24 which causes attached shaft 25 to rotatein the same direction. The portion of shaft 25 adjacent to push button20 is shown in dashed lines to indicate that its view was obstructed bythe adjacent portion of push button 20. Likewise, a portion of pushbutton 20 is shown in dashed lines to indicate that its view wasobstructed by knob 19 which surrounds it. Drive gear 30 is secured toshaft 25 and it also rotates in the same direction to the shaft 25 andknob 19. Drive gear 30 is enmeshed with cog drive gear 29 and controlsthe movement of cog drive gear 29. Cog drive shaft 26 is attached to cogdrive gear 29 and rotates in the same direction as cog drive gear 29.Cog drive shaft 26 has a cog thread 27 which engages cogs 28. As cogdrive shaft 26 rotates, it causes the cog thread 27 to rotate, which inturn causes the cogs 28 to move under control of the cog thread 27. Twocogs 28 are shown in this illustration. However, those skilled in theart will recognize that the gear drive will also work with a single cog28.

[0064] As the cogs 28 slide laterally under control of the cog thread27, the sliding camera support 18 moves in direction 33. As a resultrotational movement of knob 19 in either direction will cause camera 7to move laterally in response to the movement of multifunction knob 19.

[0065] Also shown in this figure is push button 20. In the preferredembodiment, push button 20 is spring loaded to hold it when not in usein a disengaged position. During use, the individual would rotate knob19 to move the camera 7 across a line of printed text. When theindividual wants to read the next line, the knob 19 is rotated back tothe beginning of the line and push button 20 is pressed. When pushbutton 20 is pressed, it moves inward and contacts lever 31. Lever 31 isattached to pivot point 32. When it is moved by push button 20, itpivots about pivot point 32 and rotates ratchet assembly 34 which inturn moves the lateral camera support assembly 6 longitudinally toadvance to the next line to be read. Ratchet assemblies are well knownin the art and can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as usingtwo gears, pulleys, etc., and not have to be discussed in further detailhere.

[0066] In FIG. 8, another alternative preferred embodiment is shownwhich illustrates how the multifunction knob 19 can be implemented in adifferent manner. In this embodiment, the lateral camera supportassembly 6 is secured to side supports 3, and does not movelongitudinally in relation to the side supports 3. Instead, the documentsupport tray 2 moves longitudinally along tracks 35 under control of thegear assembly 22 (not visible in this figure). The gear assembly 22controls lateral movement of the camera 7 in the same manner asdiscussed above in relation to FIG. 7. The primary difference in thisembodiment is that the longitudinal indexing is performed by moving thedocument support tray 2 rather than the lateral camera support assembly6, as was done previously. This is accomplished by connecting theratchet 34 to the document support tray 2 instead of the lateral camerasupport assembly 6.

[0067] An advantage of this embodiment is that the individual cancontrol movement of the camera without moving the individual

s arm. Rather the arm can be placed in a comfortable position and thecamera 7 can be moved with a minimal amount of effort. Another advantageis that this invention can be implemented in an entirely mechanicalfashion, such that it is extremely economical to manufacture, requiresno electrical power other than that used by the camera 7 itself.

[0068] In FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of the gear drive used tomove the camera 7 is shown. In this embodiment, the cog drive gear 29 isattached to a first beveled gear 36. When the cog drive gear 29 rotates,it in turn rotates the first beveled gear 36. The first beveled gear 36is engaged with and causes the second beveled gear 37 to rotate. Shaft38 is attached at one end to the second beveled gear 37, and at theother end to a toothed drive gear 39. The toothed drive gear 39 isengaged with a chain 40 which has multiple teeth 41. As shaft 38rotates, a chain 40 is moved under control of the shaft 38 and thetoothed drive gear 39. The camera 7 is attached to the sliding camerasupport 18, and the sliding camera support 18 is in turn attached to achain 40. As a result, when knob 19 is rotated, it results in movementof the chain 40 and lateral movement of the camera 7 which is attachedto it.

[0069] For ease of discussion, the various embodiments of the inventionhave shown the multifunction (i.e., the term

multifunction

is used because a single knob can be used to control both lateral andlongitudinal motion of the camera 7) knob 19 disposed on the side of theenhanced reading device 1. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that it is a simple matter to move the multifunction knob 19to the front of the enhanced reading device 1, by way of a fewmechanical adjustments. Therefore, it is understood that the inventiondoes not restrict the location of the multifunction knob 19, asillustrated in the figures and discussed in the specification, to anyspecific location on the enhanced reading device 1.

[0070] In FIG. 10, a top perspective view of another preferredembodiment of the enhanced reading device 1 is illustrated. This figureillustrates the position of the camera 7 and its lateral camera assemblysupport 6 in relation to the document support tray 2. The lateral cameraassembly support 6 moves from word and backward to step the camera 7from line to line. This is accomplished by a manually controlledtransmission assembly that consists of a transmission control of 42 thatis attached to transmission rod 43 to gears 44 and 68 (gear 68 is shownbelow in FIG. 14). Transmission rod 43 is supported by proximal bracketto 72 and distal bracket 45.

[0071] Longitudinal motion of the camera 7 is controlled as follows:gear 68 controls rotation of longitudinal motion shaft 48 which driveslongitudinal drive belts 53 to control longitudinal motion of thelateral camera assembly support 6. When longitudinal drive belts 53 aremoved under control of longitudinal motion shaft 48, they move thelateral camera assembly support 6 which is attached via bracket

s 56, clamps 57 (which are attached to longitudinal drive belts 53) andmounting screws 58 (which attach bracket 56 to lateral camera assemblysupport 6). This figure also illustrates wheels 59 which are used tomove the lateral camera assembly support 6 longitudinally with a minimumamount of friction. Of course, a simple greased slider can also be used.However, that would result in increased friction and require more forceto move the lateral camera assembly support 6.

[0072] Lateral motion of the camera 7 is controlled as follows: gear 44controls motion of gear 46 which is attached to gear 49 via rod 47.Rotation of gear 49 controls rotation of lateral drives belt 52 which inturn causes lateral motion of the camera 7 inside of the lateral cameraassembly support 6. For ease of illustration, the camera 7 isillustrated as being attached via a bracket 8 outside of the lateralcamera assembly support 6. However, it may be preferable to mount thecamera 7 between the rails which comprise the lateral camera assemblysupport 6 for the purpose of balancing weight and reducing friction.Likewise, the lateral drive belt 52 can be mounted between the rails, asshown, or outside of the real assembly. In addition, those skilled inthe art will recognize that the lateral drive belt 52 can be eliminatedin replace via a worm gear or a chain drive. As was the case above, andregard to longitudinal motion, the lateral motion to the camera can alsobe made easier through the use of wheeled mounts rather than a slider aswas discussed in previous embodiments.

[0073] Optional transparent plate 72, a shown resting on top of thedocument support tray 2. Transparently 72 is used to flatten the paperdocument to allow the camera 7 to be more easily focused. It can bemanufactured from any transparent material, such as glass, Lucite,Lexan, etc. Non-glass materials are preferred for fabrication of thetransparent plate 72 because they resist breakage better than glass.

[0074] The document support tray 2 is raised via rotation of heightcontrol knob 11. Raising and lowering of the document support tray 2allows the reader to manually control the amount of magnification byadjusting the distance between the camera 7 and the document supporttray 2. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize thatelectronic magnification can also be used by controlling the size of thedetected image via software. However, this is a more expensive andcomplex method.

[0075] Adjustable foot pads 65 are also shown in this figure. Theadjustable foot pads allow the enhanced reading device 1 to be placed onan uneven surface support and be adjusted so that it remains stable whenused.

[0076] In regard to FIG. 11, this figure illustrates a front orthogonalview of a preferred embodiment of the enhanced reading device 1. Thisfigure for other illustrates the belt drive and roller assembly used totransport the camera 7 over the document support tray 2. In particularthe lateral camera assembly support 6 slides on wheels 59 along tracks21. Wheels 59 are preferred because they provide the minimum amount offriction and require the least amount force to longitudinally move thelateral camera assembly support 6. Also shown in this figure are bracketassemblies 56 which attach to longitudinal drive belts 53 via clamps 57.Bracket assemblies 56 also attached to lateral camera assembly support 6such that movement of the longitudinal drive belts 53 causeslongitudinal movement of the lateral camera assembly support 6.

[0077] Also shown in this figure are lift arms 62 which provide upwardleft for document support tray 2 under control of height control knob11.

[0078]FIG. 12 is a left side orthogonal view of a preferred embodimentof the enhanced reading device 1. This view illustrates the documenttray 2 in the fully lowered position with the side support bars 66lowered. Also shown in this figure is longitudinal drive belts 53. Otherelements of the embodiment have been eliminated for ease of illustrationand discussion.

[0079] In FIG. 13, a left side orthogonal view of a preferred embodimentof the enhanced reading device 1 is illustrated. This figure illustratesthe document support tray 2 in the fully raised position with the sidesupport bars 66 raised.

[0080]FIG. 14 is a right side orthogonal view of a preferred embodimentof the enhanced reading device 1 which illustrates the manualtransmission used to control movement of the camera 7. Both longitudinaland lateral motion of the camera 7 is controlled by transmission controlknob 42 which both rotates shaft 43 and moves it longitudinally toengage and disengage gears 44, 68. When pushed in, gear 68 engages gears67 which controls longitudinal motion of the lateral camera assemblysupport 6. When pulled out, gear 68 is engages and gear 44 engages gear46 which in turn controls movement of camera 7 in a lateral direction.The document support tray 2 is also shown in the fully raised positionin this figure. The position of document support tray 2 is controlled byheight control knob 11.

[0081]FIG. 15 is a partial top orthogonal view of a preferred embodimentof the enhanced reading device 1. This figure provides a close-up viewof the gear assembly used by the manual transmission which controlsmovement of the camera 7. The manual transmission is comprised oftransmission control knob 42, shaft 43, and gears 44, 46, 49, 50, 67,68. To drive the lateral camera assembly support 6 in a longitudinaldirection, transmission control knob 42 is pushed in which engages gears68 and 67. Then, transmission control knob 42 is rotated which in turnrotates shaft 48 which then drives longitudinal drive belts 53.Likewise, to drive camera 7 in a lateral direction, transmission controlknob 42 is pulled out to disengage the longitudinal gears, and to engagethe lateral gears. In particular, this will disengage gears 68 and 67which in turn disables longitudinal drive belts 53, and at the sametime, it will engage gears 44 and 46. When gears 44 and 46 are engaged,transmission control knob 42 is then rotated which causes gear 46 torotate. Gear 46 is directly connected to gear 49 which is engaged withgear 50 and causes gear 50 to rotate. Rotation of gear 50 causes shaft51 to rotate which in turn moves lateral drive belt 52 and causes thecamera 7 to move laterally.

[0082]FIG. 16 illustrates a left front perspective view of a preferredembodiment of the enhanced reading device 1. In this figure, a threadedrod 69, which is attached to height control knob 11, is used to controlthe vertical position of the document support tray 2. When heightcontrol knob 11 is rotated, the threaded rod 69 rotates. This causessupport tray 10 to move longitudinally. As support tray 10 moveslongitudinally, side support bars 66, in conjunction with lift arms 62(discussed below and regard to FIG. 17), push the document support tray2 in upward direction. The side support bars 66 act to stabilize thedocument support tray 2 and to control its vertical movement. For easeof illustration, elements of the enhanced reading device 1 which are notnecessary to the discussion of the document support tray 2 have beenomitted.

[0083] In FIG. 17, a left cut away view of a preferred embodiment of theenhanced reading device 1 is illustrated. This figure illustrates howthe document support tray lift arms 62 are used to control verticalmotion of the document support tray 2. In a preferred embodiment, twolift document support tray lift arms 62 are used because they providemore stable motion of the document support tray 2. However, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that a single document support traylift arm 62 embodiment can also be implemented. As discussed above,movement of the support tray 10 causes the lower pivot points of thesupport arms 66 to move to the rear of the enhanced reading device 1.This causes the side support bars 66 to move towards a more verticalorientation which causes the document support tray 2 to move upwards. Asnoted, movement of the support tray 10 is controlled by rotation of thethreaded rod 69 under control of height control knob 11. In addition,the threaded rod 69 is also attached to the document support tray liftarm 62 via sleeve 70. When the threaded rod 69 is rotated, the documentsupport tray lift arms 62 rotate about pivot point 63. Rotation of thethreaded rod 69 causes the sleeve 70 to move longitudinally. In additionsleeve 70 is also attached to a slider rod 71 that moves along alongitudinal track to control movement of the support tray lift arm

s 62. The sleeve 70 is attached to the slider rod 71 via a slot to allowthe sleeve 70 to move freely. While the lower ends of the documentsupport tray lift arms 62 are attached to the sleeve 70, the upper endsof the document tray lift arm 62 are in contact with the documentsupport tray 2 and provide an upward lifting force which is controlledby rotation of the threaded rod 69 under control the height control knob11.

[0084] The purposes and goals of the invention can be implemented in avariety of manners. In summary, this invention provides an automatedline detection and registration system which can automatically detectthe beginning of text on a page, it can automatically detect the lengthof lines on a page, and it can automatically detect distance betweenlines such that a sight impaired individual can easily move throughprinted text which is displayed on a monitor with a minimal amount ofeffort and a high degree of accuracy. A variety of embodiments have beenpresented which illustrate how the beginning of a page can be selectedautomatically via known line detection techniques from optical scannertechnology, or manually via direct user control. Likewise, embodimentshave been shown which automatically determine line start, line end, andline spacing, also through known line detection techniques from opticalscanner technology, or manually via direct user control. In addition tothe electronic embodiments, other embodiments show mechanical methods ofcontrolling camera positioning. Embodiments have been presented whichuse automatic focusing as well as manual focusing. Manual focusing canbe achieved via document lifting mechanisms 10 or through direct usercontrol of focus adjustment on the camera assembly 7. The inventionprovides a device which steps through text in a given text line withoutline skipping associated with manually held camera, and also allowsindividual to easily move the camera assembly 7 to the beginning of thenext line. As a result, the individual is not burdened with thedifficulties associated with prior art devices, such as skipping lineswhen manually moving the camera assembly 7 backwards at high-speed tothe beginning of the next line and then to manually index to thefollowing line. By eliminating the possibility of inadvertent lineskipping of the camera assembly 7 created by the individual, the visualdistraction of the high-speed movement, and the potential for error inmanual positioning, are both eliminated. The individual can then readthe document 9 in a more relaxed and convenient environment.

[0085] As noted above, a variety of exemplary embodiments have beenshown which illustrate mechanical components of the system. However, itis understood that any number of variations can be used for each of thefunctional features of the invention. The only requirement is that eachfunctional component be able to complete its intended purpose.

[0086] While the invention has been described with respect to apreferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in detail may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit, scope, and teaching of the invention.

I claim:
 1. An enhanced reading device for reading documents,comprising: a document support tray having a size suitable forsupporting printed material; to a video camera, positioned above thedocument support tray and selectively movable such that video images ofselectable portions of documents resting on the document support traycan be input by the video camera; means that output video data from thevideo camera.
 2. A device, as in claim 1, further comprising: a lateralcamera support assembly, comprising: longitudinal motion control meansfor controlling longitudinal motion of the video camera above thedocument support tray; lateral motion control means for controllinglateral motion of the video camera above the document support tray;whereby the location of the video camera can be selectively locatedabove the document support tray.
 3. A device, as in claim 2, wherein thelateral motion control means further comprises: a lateral cameraassembly support having means to support the video camera, and means tomove the video camera laterally such that the video camera, when movinglaterally across the document, can input video images of at least aportion of a line of text in the document; whereby text from a documentcan be selectively input to the video camera.
 4. A device, as in claim3, wherein the longitudinal motion control means further comprises:means to longitudinally move the lateral camera assembly support suchthat the video camera can be moved from one line of text to another;whereby the video camera can control the movement from one line toanother for input to the video camera.
 5. A device, as in claim 4,wherein the longitudinal motion control means and a lateral motioncontrol means are independently controllable.
 6. A device, as in claim5, further comprising: a transmission gear drive, the transmission geardrive having first drive means to control longitudinal movement of thevideo camera, and second drive means to control lateral movement of thevideo camera; a transmission control knob; a rotatable andlongitudinally slidable drive shaft attached at its distal end to thetransmission gear drive and at its proximal and to the control knob,such that in a first position the transmission gear drive provideslongitudinal motion control to the video camera, and when in a secondposition the transmission gear drive provides lateral motion control tothe video camera; whereby a single control knob can be used to controlboth lateral and longitudinal motion of the video camera.
 7. A device,as in claim 4, wherein the longitudinal motion control means furthercomprises: a longitudinal control electronic switch for controllinglongitudinal motion of the lateral camera assembly support; and alongitudinal motor drive to longitudinally move the lateral cameraassembly support, under control of the electronic switch, such that thevideo camera can be moved from one line of text to another; wherebylongitudinal motion of the video camera can be electronicallycontrolled.
 8. A device, as in claim 7, further comprising: a lateralcontrol electronic switch for controlling lateral motion of the camerain the lateral camera assembly support; and a lateral motor drive tolaterally move the camera in the lateral camera assembly support, undercontrol of the electronic switch, such that the video camera can bemoved from one line of text to another; whereby lateral motion of thevideo camera can be electronically controlled.
 9. A device, as in claim3, further comprising: a lateral control electronic switch forcontrolling lateral motion of the camera in the lateral camera assemblysupport; and a lateral motor drive to laterally move the camera in thelateral camera assembly support, under control of the electronic switch,such that the video camera can be moved from one line of text toanother; whereby lateral motion of the video camera can beelectronically controlled.
 10. A device, as in claim 8, furthercomprising: a transparent panel sized such that it can be removablyplaced over at least a portion of the document support tray, thetransparent panel having sufficient weight to press a document flat whenthe transparent panel is laid on top of the document, the transparentpanel having sufficient transparencies such that the camera can producean image of the document when it is covered by the transparent panel.11. A device, as in claim 9, further comprising: a transparent panelsized such that it can be removably placed over at least a portion ofthe document support tray, the transparent panel having sufficientweight to press a document flat when the transparent panel is laid ontop of the document, the transparent panel having sufficienttransparencies such that the camera can produce an image of the documentwhen it is covered by the transparent panel.
 12. A device, as in claim6, further comprising: a transparent panel sized such that it can beremovably placed over at least a portion of the document support tray,the transparent panel having sufficient weight to press a document flatwhen the transparent panel is laid on top of the document, thetransparent panel having sufficient transparencies such that the cameracan produce an image of the document when it is covered by thetransparent panel.
 13. A device, as in claim 1, wherein the camerafurther comprises an auto focus function.
 14. A device, as in claim 3,wherein the camera further comprises an auto focus function.
 15. Adevice, as in claim 6, wherein the camera further comprises an autofocus function.
 16. A device, as in claim 10, wherein the camera furthercomprises an auto focus function.
 17. A device, as in claim 3,furthercomprising: a lift mechanism positioned under the document support tray,the lift mechanism further having means to raise or lower the documentsupport tray such that the document on the tray is moved closer orfarther from the camera.
 18. A method of displaying printed documentswith an enhanced reading device, including the steps of: placing aprinted document where it can be read by a moving camera; moving thecamera longitudinally and laterally above the document such thatselectable portions of the document are input to the camera; andoutputting a video image of the selected portions of the document fromthe camera to a monitor device which displays an enlarged image of thephotographed text.
 19. A method, as in claim 18, including theadditional step of providing a method of automatically focusing thecamera. 20 A method, as in claim 18, including the additional steps ofproviding a means to move the printed document vertically to vary thedistance between the document and the camera.